I think I can, I think I can, I think I can....

Vastmind

I want some input on one of the ten perfections....

Persistence

§36. "And what is the faculty of persistence? There is the case where a monk, a disciple of the noble ones, keeps his persistence aroused for abandoning unskillful mental qualities and taking on skillful mental qualities. He is steadfast, solid in his effort, not shirking his duties with regard to skillful mental qualities. He generates desire, endeavors, arouses persistence, upholds & exerts his intent for the sake of the non-arising of evil, unskillful qualities that have not yet arisen... for the sake of the abandoning of evil, unskillful qualities that have arisen... for the sake of the arising of skillful qualities that have not yet arisen... (and) for the maintenance, non-confusion, increase, plenitude, development, & culmination of skillful qualities that have arisen. This is called the faculty of persistence."

— SN 48.10
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/study/perfections.html#persistence

Also described...
Resolution - determination (adhitthana)
Adhitthana (Pali; from adhi meaning "higher" or "best" plus stha meaning "standing") has been translated as "decision," "resolution," "self-determination," "will" and "resolute determination."

Can you share with me the ways you think this is nurtured?
How do we water this seed?

Would this be the same concept as beginner's mind?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts/funny comments shared.... hahaha

lobster

From experience I know that obsessive, single minded determination was a precursor of a more natural and relaxed persistence.
Half hearted efforts result in a bit of mediocre change.
The right change and right form of determination is important. For example if we are determined to 'gain for our self' . . . we will accumulate attributes but not always the right quality.
Enlightenment is not something we can be told or gifted. Enlightenment is something we must be worthy of receiving. Yep good karma comes from following all of the eight fold path as well as we can.
From experience I know most of us are not Boddhisattvas but lazy Bodhi snatchers. If we want to serve, nothing will stop us. That is just a good beginning. Common humanity.

And now back to the trying . . . :wave:

Jeffrey

adhistana in some sanghas means the blessing of the lineage.

Hamsaka

I will have to look within now that I'm thinking of it . . . but persistence is something I've always had too much of. Unchecked (and unwisely aimed) it has gotten me into very long and useless episodes.

I intend to keep it aimed at the Great Reality or Truth (with reasonable misfires and distractions, thanks to being human). That does not mean I'm getting an A+ in bodhicitta. I'd flunk a test on the most basics of the Pali canon.

@Lobster says: From experience I know that obsessive, single minded determination was a precursor of a more natural and relaxed persistence.

That is beginning to happen. The more relaxed persistence part. The practice is becoming more of a habit, I guess, I don't have to watchdog where the mind goes like I did. I've picked up the scent, and realized I don't have to run and bark like crazy, just keep following it, maybe even enjoy the surroundings while I'm at it

Gassho

person

For me by practicing and applying the teachings I see the results, having experienced positive results gives impetus for further practice in a sort of upward spiral. Not that I don't spend a lot of time pursuing my cravings too.